Have you ever wondered why ditzy people are accused of being “bird brained”? Or, why we say people feather their own nest?
Just for fun we thought it would be interesting to look at the origins of six well-known words and phrases related to the world of birds.
Auspicious
Let’s start with a word you possibly didn’t even know comes from bird watching – auspicious! This is often used to refer to something good about to happen, a promise of success. It comes from the Latin “auspex”, which translates to “bird seer”. Bird seers in ancient Rome were mystics who made predictions based on the behaviour of local bird life!
Next time you put out wild bird seeds, will you see the future?
Popinjay
Have you ever heard anyone referred to as Popinjay, when they strut around looking proud of themselves? This is from the French word papegai, which was the original name used in Britain for what is now called a parrot! Calling someone a papegai was a compliment, as they were a rare and exotic creature.
Canary in a Coal Mine
Why do we say “like a canary in a coal mine” to indicate potential danger? These cheerful yellow creatures used to be taken down mines in cages. They would perch in high or hard to reach crevices and then miners would monitor them. If the birds started to flag or die, it was an early warning system for gas leaks!
Bird Brained
Calling someone this insult indicates they have a small brain, but we believe our feathered friends can be smart cookies despite their tiny heads. Especially when it comes to finding the gardens offering the best bird seed!
Feathering Your Own Nest
When someone is keeping hold of their own money, or living comfortably, they can be accused of feathering their nest.
It comes from the industrious way birds create their living and egg hatching areas, including adding their own feathers as construction materials, to keep themselves safe.
Though if you want to help birds to protect themselves, don’t forget to feed them regularly!
Cuckoo In The Nest
An unwelcome intruder, or someone who overstays their welcome, is sometimes referred to as a cuckoo in the nest. This comes from the fact that female cuckoos have a habit of laying their eggs in the nests built by other species!
